“Does my dog need a separate bed?” Many of you must have inquired this when you first brought a dog to your home. Dogs sleep more than us humans. They can sleep between 12 to 18 hours a day, depending on their age. Like us, dog beds must be comfortable with memory foam and enough leg space to snooze.
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Is it Okay if My Dog Sleeps in My Bed?
Most dog owners prefer that their dogs sleep with them in the same bed. A survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 50% of dogs sleep with their owners. However, this can often become counterproductive.
- A small dog and pups can’t climb the bed all by itself
- Old dogs with musculoskeletal issues or arthritis prefer sleeping on lower surfaces
- Prolonged contact with dogs exposes you to pet dander and respiratory issues.
- Pets with incontinence problems can wet your bed easily.
- Most dogs keep changing sleeping positions which can distract light sleepers.
These are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t keep your dog in a human bed. Your only option is to get a separate bed for your four-legged friend.
Importance of Getting a Dog Bed
We have tried highlighting some of the major benefits of getting a dog bed for your dog.
Good for Bones and Joints
Most dog beds come with special interlocking fill materials that ensure the bed is soft and supports bones and joints. Young pups need enough sleep to help develop their joints, and old dogs need support to prevent pressure pains while sleeping. Both of these are only possible with a separate dog bed with memory foam.
Good for Quality Sleep
A dog can sleep well over 12 hours per day on average. Most of the time, it’ll take a nap in its bed. Having a separate bed ensures that your dog can snooze whenever it wants without worrying about anything.
A 2017 edition of Scientific Reports suggested that quality sleep is important in young dogs to learn new commands easily.
Good for Leg Space
A separate dog bed ensures that your canine has enough sleeping space to stretch out and snooze. Most dogs keep changing their position while sleeping. A dog bed with enough leg space will allow them to do that. You won’t have to worry about incontinence when you get your dog a separate bed.
Good for Cleaning
You can get good dog beds with protective covers and resistant materials that help keep off pet danders fleas and urine from seeping into the mattress. You can easily remove the machine washable covers and toss them in the washer. Your dog will also appreciate the clean spot to sleep on.
How do You Choose the Right Dog Bed?
Now that you know why you should get a separate bed for your canine companion let’s talk about what different types of beds you can buy in the market.
When choosing a dog bed, look for cozy bed options, specially designed for dogs with different needs. Once they come out of the crate, a young pup may need a small bed compared to adult dogs. You must get an orthopedic dog bed made out of convoluted memory foam for an arthritic dog with hip dysplasia that avoids a painful sleeping experience. Hence, each dog has a different need from its bed.
Don’t worry about high prices; you can get a cozy dog bed with a mattress for as little as $30 on Amazon. If you want to spoil your dog with the best stuff, then you’re free to spend on dog beds costing well over $300.
Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian, suggests beginning your search for a dog bed that matches dog sizes.
“Measure from nose to tail. To be safe, add a couple of inches to that measurement.”
To find the best bed for healthy dogs, you’ll need basic information like your dog’s age, their sleeping style, whether they chew things or are weak at holding their bladder. Here are a few options for you.
For Small & Medium Dogs
For small and medium-sized dogs, you should get a bed that is just large enough for them to stretch out. Buying a bed that’s too large can leave them feeling insecure. Nest or donut dog beds are popular bed choices for small and medium dogs. The price may range from $27 to $47, depending on the size.
For Large & Extra Large Dogs
Larger breeds are heavier; hence, they need a large bed with extra memory foam to evenly hold their weight. Most bolster beds come with a thick mattress made of memory foam that provides enough cushioning against the hard floor. As an option, you can also get a crib mattress with spring coils to prevent memory foam flattening. The price for a large bed may range from $79 to $89.
For Hairless or Cold-natured Dogs
Many dogs shiver when sleeping. If your dog is hairless or has less fur, it’s more likely to shiver at night. To prevent shivering, you can consider getting them a burrowing bed or heated beds where they can burrow inside the mattress to keep warm. Cozy cave, nesting beds, and slumber beds are good options starting at $79 and up.
For Dogs with Long or Thick Fur
Dogs with long or thick fur can easily overheat. They need beds that allow air to pass easily, like cot-style beds. A cot-style bed usually features a mesh material and legs for an elevated bed experience. You can get one for as little as $24-$30.
For Dogs with Special Needs
For dogs with anxiety, you’d need to get a cozy bed with burrowing options that provide a sense of security. Bolster dog bed, and high-quality Cozy cave are good options. For dogs with arthritis, joint pain, or joint issues get an orthopedic bed with a memory foam bed that conforms to their shape. For old dogs with incontinence, you can get a waterproof orthopedic dog bed.
For Outdoor Purposes
For dogs who are often outdoors, you can consider getting them a durable bed that resists water, wind, and chewing. A high-quality Super Snoozer is the best example of an outdoor pet bed. You can get one for $31 – $39.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions about pet beds.
Where can I buy cheap dog beds?
One of the best places to get your hands on cheap dog beds is online, for example, Amazon.com. With thousands of suppliers advertising their products, you can easily look for the one with a reasonable price. Consider looking into Dog bed clearance to find inexpensive dog beds from a different company. Walmart is another place where you can get good deals on inexpensive dog beds.
Do dog dogs prefer hard or soft beds?
When shopping for dog beds, make sure they aren’t either too soft surface or too hard. Dogs naturally love to sleep on a hardwood floor; hence you need to get a pet bed with a firm surface.
Too-soft mattresses don’t offer the support needed for comfortable rest and healthy joints. It can be a problem for senior dogs that sinks into a plush bed. Too hard a surface, the arthritic dog will find a problem sleeping on it. Instead, provide a bed with memory foam or a chambered poly-fill sleep surface.
Do dogs need blankets?
Blankets don’t go well with thick furry dogs unless it’s the cold season. Most dogs do well without a blanket in summer because they can easily overheat. But in winter, even the thick furry canine may need an additional cushion to keep them warm.
Leaving your dog in the cold for a longer duration of time can increase the risk of Hypothermia. It occurs when your dog’s body temperature drastically drops below 99-95 F.
It would help if you considered getting a blanket for young pups and smaller dogs that can’t regulate their body temperature well.
What is the best place to put a dog bed?
This is a question regularly asked by new dog owners. Dogs are a part of your family; hence you should choose a place closest to you. You can consider placing a dog bed inside your own bedroom or in the living room.
If you place their bed close to the window or door, they might get cold at night. Always choose warm places and away from drafts to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. For dogs with thick fur and overheating problem, consider more open spaces like the living room.
Many dogs tend to bark at night when they hear a sound. It’s better to keep their bed away from the bedroom. Choose a quiet corner of the house to place their bed.
How to avoid smelling dog beds?
It’s likely for a dog bed to smell after a time because of natural scents or odors. To avoid smelling dog beds, you’d need to invest in a high-quality product. A dog bed made out of polyester fiber that doesn’t hold moisture can help keep bacteria and mites off. The internal stuffing must be breathable and water-resistant to ensure easy cleaning. Lastly, the bed removable cover should be made up of natural fiber and machine washable. It would help if you considered throwing the bed cover into the washing machine every five-seven days to lay off the smell and bacteria.